These numbers compared favourably with the S&P 500 in the U.S., which returned 7.8% (8.1% total return) in Q3. Of the 296 mid- to large-capitalization stocks in Canada (with a market value of $2 billion or more), the standouts included technology, cannabis, uranium, fast fashion, and gold companies—the domain of risk-takers. One of the top 10 performers (listed below), Cresco Labs Inc., started the quarter as a penny stock. Curaleaf, which is based in Wakefield, Mass., joined the S&P/TSX Composite in September, becoming the only cannabis producer on the index. Inclusion in a major index usually boosts a company’s stock price as index funds are forced to add it to their portfolios.